EspañolSanta Cruz High Band Instructor Ronald Salinas (Full Name: Ronald Eugene Salinas) Arrested On Sex Assault Charges
SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA (December 27, 2023) – A former Santa Cruz High School band instructor identified as Ronald Salinas has been arrested on child sexual abuse charges.
Santa Cruz County officials are saying that the incident took place in 2001. Ronald Salinas allegedly sexually assaulted a student in the school band.
Police are saying that the alleged incident took place at his home. The former student first reported the assault in 2023.
Ronald Salinas continued to work at the school for more than 20 years, but he retired around the time that the allegations were made. He has since been charged with one count of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14.
He is currently being held on a $75,000 bail at the Santa Cruz County Jail. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Santa Cruz County School Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse in the K -12 education system is far more pervasive than many people may realize. According to Psychology Today, “About 10 percent of students will experience educator sexual misconduct by the time they graduate high school. Most perpetrators are male (89.1 percent) and teachers (63.4 percent) or coaches/gym teachers (19.7 percent).” There are many steps that jails should take in order to prevent child sexual abuse.
- Schools should establish clear and comprehensive guidelines related to sexual misconduct.
- Schools should have systems to anonymously submit reports related to sexual misconduct.
- Schools should thoroughly vet all of the teachers and coaches that they employ.
Pursuant to California Penal Code 288, it is a crime for a person to commit any lewd or lascivious act on a child under 16 years of age. This includes touching a child’s body for sexual purposes. Teachers are mandated reporters and must report any reasonably suspected instance of sexual abuse. Depending on the facts of any case, a school could be liable for the sexual abuse of a child in their care. Schools must adequately supervise children and enforce all rules and regulations necessary for their protection. It is important that evidence is properly preserved after any instance of suspected sexual abuse.
- A police report should be created.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- An experienced sexual abuse attorney should be contacted.
There are often many signs that a teacher or coach is engaging in sexual misconduct. But these are often overlooked. This can partly be due to the fact that the teachers or coaches involve in misconduct are often well liked and trusted. It is important that victims of sexual abuse and their parents understand that they do have rights. Any person that is sexually abused by a school teacher may have legal recourse through a civil claim.
Getting Legal Help After School Sexual Abuse
We at the Carrillo Law Firm, LLP extend our best wishes to all of the people who may have been harmed by the actions of Ronald Salinas. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened. Santa Cruz police officials should look into the possibility that there may be additional victims.
Have you or someone that you care about been the victim of sexual abuse in Santa Cruz? You may have legal recourse through a civil claim. Our team of sexual abuse attorneys are here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that victims of sexual abuse are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 626-799-9375.
